Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices

ABSTRACT

In a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and a removeable cover therefor, the battery compartment and cover are configured to accommodate batteries of at least two different sizes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/689,633 filed Jan. 19, 2010, which is itself a division of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/245,020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,687,197)filed Oct. 7, 2005, both of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to portable electronic devices, including but notlimited to handheld wireless communication devices. More particularly,this invention relates to means of accommodating batteries of differentsizes in such devices.

Certain portable electronic devices, handheld wireless communicationdevices in particular, are designed to provide various battery lifeoptions, depending on different capacity batteries being used. Batteriesof different capacity tend to have different physical dimensions. Thesedifferences in dimension are typically compensated for by providingbattery area access doors of varying dimension, i.e. a separate batterydoor for each possible battery. It would be preferable to avoid suchseparate battery doors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention therefore provides various means for accommodatingbatteries of different dimensions, without requiring separate batterydoors.

Reference will be made to “relatively thin” batteries, and “somewhatthicker” batteries. It should be understood that “relatively thin” meansrelative to the thickness of the “somewhat thicker” batteries, and isnot intended to indicate that the “relatively thin” battery is in factthin compared to batteries in general.

Aspects of the invention will be described or will become apparent inthe course of the following detailed description and drawings ofspecific embodiments of the invention, as examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the first embodiment, witha relatively thin battery;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the first embodiment, witha somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment, with a relativelythin battery;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the second embodiment, with asomewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the second embodiment,with a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the second embodiment,with a somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment, with a relativelythin battery;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the third embodiment, with asomewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the third embodiment,with a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the third embodiment,with a somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fourth embodiment,with a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fourth embodiment,with a somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment, with a relativelythin battery;

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the fifth embodiment, with asomewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fifth embodiment,with a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fifth embodiment,with a somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a sixth embodiment,similar to the fifth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the sixth embodiment,with a somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the seventhembodiment;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the seventh embodiment,with a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the seventh embodiment,with a somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an eighth embodiment,with a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the cover ofthe eighth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the eighth embodiment,with a somewhat thicker battery;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the battery cover of a ninthembodiment, in a position for a relatively thin battery;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional elevation view the cover, corresponding toFIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the battery cover of the ninthembodiment, in a position for a somewhat thicker battery; and

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cover, correspondingto FIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The accompanying drawings illustrate various aspects and exemplaryembodiments to accommodate batteries of different sizes.

According to a first exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, thehandheld device 1 with a cover 2 secured to the device by any suitableconventional means, over a battery compartment 3. Inside the batterycompartment, under the cover, are one or more elastomeric elements 4,which bear against an installed battery, 5 or 5′. FIG. 2 shows arelatively thin battery 5, such that the elastomeric elements are notcompressed, or are compressed only sufficiently to keep the battery inposition. FIG. 3 shows a somewhat thicker battery 5′, such that theelastomeric elements are somewhat compressed, the compression creatingmore space to accommodate the larger battery.

According to a second exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, thehandheld device 1 has a cover 2 secured to the device by any suitableconventional means, over the battery compartment 3. The cover has agenerally rigid outer frame 6, for example, of hard plastic or metal,and a generally rigid center portion 7, again, for example, of hardplastic or metal. An elastomeric web portion 8, molded with or otherwiseconnected to both the outer frame and the center portion, connects theouter frame and center portion. As can be seen from a comparison betweenFIGS. 4 and 5, or especially between FIGS. 6 and 7, the center portion 7is in one position in FIGS. 4 and 6, relatively flat or generallyco-planar with the outer frame 6 for example, to accommodate arelatively thin battery 5. In FIGS. 5 and 7, the elastomeric web 8 isstretched, and the center portion 7 is displaced outwardly, therebyaccommodating a somewhat thicker battery 5′.

A third exemplary embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, is shownin FIGS. 8-11. In this embodiment, there is no generally rigid centerportion. Instead, there is an elastomeric portion 9 secured to the outerframe 6, spanning across the battery compartment. As can be seen from acomparison between FIGS. 8 and 9, or especially between FIGS. 10 and 11,the elastomeric portion 9 is in one position in FIGS. 8 and 10,relatively flat or generally co-planar with the outer frame 6 forexample, to accommodate a relatively thin battery 5. In FIGS. 9 and 11,the elastomeric portion 9 is stretched, particularly towards outer edgesthereof, thereby accommodating a somewhat thicker battery 5′.

A fourth exemplary embodiment, also similar to the second embodiment, isshown in FIGS. 12-14. In this embodiment, the cover again has agenerally rigid outer frame 6 and a generally rigid center portion 7,and the outer frame and center portion are again connected by anelastomeric web portion. However, the elastomeric web portion 8′, is inthe form of a flexible membrane, molded with or otherwise connected toboth the outer frame and the center portion. The membrane tucks into asmall gap 10 between the battery 5 or 5′ and the side wall 11 of thebattery compartment. As with the previous embodiments, FIGS. 13 and 14show the comparison between accommodating a relatively thin battery 5and a somewhat thicker battery 5′.

A fifth exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 15-18. In thisembodiment, a battery cover 12 has an outer surface 13 and side walls 14encompassing the battery 5 or 5′. The battery cover preferably isgenerally rigid, but could be somewhat flexible. Extending outwardlyfrom the side walls 14 are flexible engagement means 15 such aselastomeric or otherwise flexible tabs or a flange, which can engagecorresponding recesses 16 or 16′ at two or more relative heights. Thebattery cover is installed by pressing it downwardly into the batterycompartment, such that the flexible engagement means snap or pop intothe relevant recess or recesses. One recess height, shown in FIG. 17,corresponds to a relatively thin battery 5, while the other recessheight, shown in FIG. 18, corresponds to a somewhat thicker battery 5′.There could be additional recess heights if desired. The flexibleengagement means 15 could be tabs placed at several locations around thecircumference of the battery cover, with recesses at correspondinglocations, or could be in the form of a continuous flange extending allthe way around the battery cover. The tabs or flange could be integralto the battery cover, or could be a separate piece. Although elastomerictabs or an elastomeric flange are primarily contemplated, it should beappreciated that analogous means could be employed instead. For example,the battery cover could be provided with a ball-spring arrangement, toengage detents at different heights in the battery compartment, or thereverse could be provided, i.e. ball-spring arrangements in the batterycompartment, engaging detents in the side walls of the battery cover.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a sixth exemplary embodiment, very similar to thepreceding embodiment, in which the flexible engagement means 15 is inthe form of elastomeric dimples engaging corresponding recesses. Theball-spring arrangement referred to above would be somewhat similar inconcept and appearance.

FIGS. 21-24 show a seventh exemplary embodiment, similar in concept tothe second and fourth embodiments in particular. In this embodiment, thecover has a generally rigid outer frame 6, for example of hard plasticor metal, and a generally rigid center portion 7′, again for example ofhard plastic or metal. The outer frame and center portion are connectedby a web portion 8′, molded with or otherwise connected to both theouter frame and the center portion. This web portion 8′ is of a springymaterial, biased to the position shown in FIG. 23. To accommodate asomewhat thicker battery 5′, the web portion 8′ expands outwardly asshown in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 25-27 show an eighth exemplary embodiment, in which the batterycover 20 itself, or a portion thereof, is reversible and has tabs orflanges 21 displaced from the centerline 22. As can be seen fromcomparing FIGS. 25 and 27, flipping the cover or cover portion thuscreates a smaller or larger space for the battery 5 or 5′.

FIGS. 28-31 show a ninth exemplary embodiment, in which the batterycover 2 is in two pieces, namely an outer frame 24, and a centralportion 25. As can be readily seen from the drawings, the center portioncan be installed in one of two positions, according to a principlesomewhat similar to the preceding embodiment. Depending on whichorientation is used, a smaller or larger space for the battery 5 or 5′is created.

The preceding embodiments illustrate various aspects of the invention,but as examples only. It will be appreciated that many additionalvariations and examples are possible, and will be apparent to thoseknowledgeable in the field of the invention. Thus the scope of theinvention, as defined in the following claims, is not limited to thesespecific examples.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, further aspects mayinclude, for example, any other obvious variations as to how the batterycover may be configured or installed to provide varying batterycompartment sizes; any obvious variations in choices of materials,degree of flexibility or resilience, if any, and any obvious variationsin size, shape or other characteristics not relevant to the point of theinvention. It should also be noted that although certain of theexemplary embodiments above lend them selves to discrete battery sizesonly, others (for example embodiments with elastomeric elements) maylend themselves to a variety of battery sizes, along a continuum).

A portion of the disclosure of this document contains material, which issubject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection tothe facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document ordisclosure, as it appears in the Patent Office file or public records,but otherwise reserves all copyright protection whatsoever.

1. In a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and aremovable cover therefor, the improvement comprising: the batterycompartment and cover being configured to accommodate batteries of atleast two different sizes, wherein the battery cover has an outersurface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, thebattery compartment having flexible engagement apparatus extendinginwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in the battery cover side walls,the recesses being provided at least two relative heights.
 2. Theimprovement of claim 1, wherein the flexible engagement apparatus is ata plurality of locations around the battery compartment.
 3. Theimprovement of claim 1, wherein the flexible engagement apparatus is aflange extending around the battery compartment.
 4. The improvement ofclaim 1, wherein the at least two sizes are discrete sizes.
 5. Theimprovement of claim 1, wherein the at least two sizes are various sizesalong a continuum of sizes.
 6. In a portable electronic device having abattery compartment and a removeable cover therefor, the improvementcomprising: the battery compartment and cover being configured toaccommodate batteries of at least two different sizes, wherein the coverhas a generally rigid outer frame and a generally rigid center portionsecurable to the outer frame in either one of at least two positions,each the position corresponding to a different battery thickness.
 7. Theimprovement of claim 6, wherein the center portion has engagementelements to engage the outer frame, located away from a center plane ofthe center portion, such that rotation of the center portion about anaxis in the plane of the center portion produces a smaller batterycompartment in one such orientation than in the other such orientation.8. The improvement of claim 6, wherein the center portion has a shallowU-shape with an outer flange underlying an inwardly extending flange ofthe outer frame, such that rotation of the center portion about an axisin the plane of the center portion produces a smaller batterycompartment in one such orientation than in the other such orientation.9. In a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and aremovable cover therefor, the improvement comprising: the batterycompartment and cover being configured to accommodate batteries of atleast two different sizes wherein the cover has an outer surface andside walls configured to encompass an installed battery, the side wallshaving flexible engagement apparatus extending outwardly therefrom, toengage recesses in the battery compartment, the recesses being providedat least two relative heights.
 10. The improvement of claim 9, whereinthe flexible engagement apparatus is at a plurality of locations aroundthe side walls.
 11. The improvement of claim 9, wherein the flexibleengagement apparatus is a flange extending around the side walls. 12.The improvement of claim 9, wherein the flexible engagement apparatus isin the form of a plurality of elastomeric dimples.
 13. The improvementof claim 9, wherein the at least two sizes are discrete sizes.
 14. Theimprovement of claim 9, wherein the at least two sizes are various sizesalong a continuum of sizes.